Without directly naming Mr Trump, Jolie, who has served as a special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said in a New York Times opinion piece that discriminating based on religion is "playing with fire".

The Oscar-winning actress added that as the mother of six children, "all born in foreign lands and... proud American citizens", she believes in the need for the nation's safety, but said decisions should be "based on facts, not fear".

The actress warned that by "implying Muslims are less worthy of protection, we fuel extremism abroad".

Jolie's op-ed is the first comment she has made publicly since filing for divorce in September from actor Brad Pitt. - REUTERS